The 2013 Fusion marks the second generation of Ford's mid-size family sedan. What was a good-looking car to begin with has become a dazzling one now with fresh sheet metal and slightly larger dimensions. At first glance, you might think it's an Aston Martin. The Ford Fusion's positive traits are more than skin-deep. Under its sleek hood, Ford has replaced the past V6 engine options with a choice of two small-but-powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplants. Those seeking the greatest fuel-economy will be drawn to the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid. With great looks, solid driving dynamics and a wide variety of features at competitive prices, the 2013 Fusion can more than hold its own against rivals like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you want a midsize sedan that's value-oriented, engaging to drive, or boasts the highest fuel economy in its class, there is probably a version of the 2013 Fusion that fits your requirements.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you must have a V6 engine, the Fusion isn't for you. And if you want a coupe version, like what Honda offers in its Accord, you're out of luck there as well. Those seeking the lowest price in the segment, meanwhile, may be attracted to a Hyundai Sonata or Subaru Legacy.

What's New for 2013

The Ford Fusion has been revamped for 2013 with a new design and high-tech safety features such as adaptive cruise control. Two different turbocharged 4-cylinder engines replace the V6 choices in previous models, and a plug-in hybrid called the Fusion Energi joins the regular Hybrid model, which is now rated at 47 mpg.

Driving the Fusion

Driving Impressions
The 2013 Ford Fusion stands out in the mid-size sedan segment with its athletic driving character. While the base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is adequate, the sedan really shines with the...

1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or the even more potent 2.0-liter turbo that boasts 240 horsepower. A smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transmission is standard except in the hybrids, which use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the 1.6 turbo which offers a sterling 6-speed manual as a no-cost option. An optional fuel-saving start/stop system on the 1.6-liter model takes getting used to and can decrease the efficiency of the climate-control system at idle. All-wheel drive, available with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, offers extra grip. The Fusion Hybrid, meanwhile, is among the best we've driven. The system's transition between the gasoline engine and electric motor is nearly seamless, and the car can travel up to 62 mph on electric power alone. The Energi plug-in hybrid's electric-only top speed is 85 mph, and the car is rated to travel up to 21 miles on electricity alone and up to 620 miles total.

Favorite Features

HYBRID VERSIONPerhaps the best thing about the hybrid version of the Fusion is that you may not know it is one until you realize how little fuel you're using. The Fusion Hybrid yields an EPA-estimated 47 mpg combined, and is a smooth operator while earning that lofty figure.

1.6-LITER TURBOCHARGED ENGINEAs with its use in the 2013 Ford Escape, this small-yet-mighty powerplant feels like the Goldilocks of the Fusion's gasoline engine choices. Connected to either the easy-to-use 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed automatic with auto start/stop, this engine returns up to 37 mpg.

2013 Ford Fusion Details

Interior

The 2013 Fusion's cabin is comfortable but feels slightly narrow, despite interior space growing compared with the last model. Four adults can sit comfortably in the Fusion, or three kids can squeeze in the back seat. At 16 cubic feet, the new Fusion's trunk is a tad smaller than its predecessor. In hybrid models, some space is eaten up by under-floor batteries. Still, even hybrid models allow the rear seats to fold for added cargo room. The cloth seats and foam inserts in Fusion Hybrid models are made from recyclable or renewable materials. Supple leather seating and an audio/climate-control system with touch controls can be had in higher trims.

Exterior

Ford has taken the Fusion's outer styling to a new level for this 2nd-generation, 2013 model. The car looks like a design from Aston Martin – which Ford previously owned – rather than your average 5-passenger family sedan. Bland this is not. 2013 Fusions are distinguished by a large trapezoidal grille up front. The EasyFuel capless gas filler system means you'll never again have to wrestle to open a fuel cap or wait for it to "click" into place. Energi versions have what looks like an additional fuel door on the front driver's side that covers the port for the charging cable. An innovative light ring indicates the level of charge, with a full circle equating a full charge.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The new Fusion debuts in four trims: S, SE, SE Hybrid, and Titanium. The Fusion Energi is set to arrive in early 2013. Base S models include manual climate control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, 16-inch wheels, and Ford's SYNC wireless communication system with voice control. SE models add 10-way power driver's seat, rear air vents, a 6-speaker audio system, and 17-inch wheels. Moving up to the Titanium model nets the powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 12-speaker Sony premium audio system with HD and satellite radio, dual-zone auto climate control, a rearview camera, leather seating, and 18-inch wheels.

Optional Equipment

In addition to more powerful turbocharged engines, features available on the 2013 Ford Fusion emphasize technology for making the car safer and commutes more comfortable. Among the offerings are a reverse-sensing system, Active Park Assist to help with parallel parking, adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, and a blind-spot monitoring system. One particularly interesting and potentially life-saving feature is the Lane Keeping System. Using a windshield-mounted camera, the car keeps a digital eye on road markings to detect if the car drifts into another lane. If that happens, the system alerts the driver by sounding a warning, vibrating the steering wheel and, ultimately, applying steering torque to get the car back into the lane.

Under the Hood

The base engine in the 2013 Ford Fusion is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder carried over from the previous generation that makes 175 horsepower. Better engine options are the 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost or the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which make 178 horsepower and 240 horsepower, respectively. Both turbo engines can run on regular unleaded gasoline. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive limited to the 2.0-liter engine. The new Fusion is offered in two hybrid versions. The regular hybrid uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor to achieve 47 mpg and a total output of 188 horsepower. A plug-in version called the Energi uses the same engine and motor setup but offers a larger lithium-ion battery pack that can be recharged via an AC outlet. The Energi is estimated to travel up to 21 miles in EV mode, and up to 620 miles total before having to recharge the battery or fill up the gasoline tank. Recharge time for the battery is projected at 7 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet, or 2.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet.

"First time owner of a Ford automobile. Bought the SE with 1.5 EcoBoost, 6-speed auto, 201A package, and MyFord Touch in December last year and thus far the car is running smoothly. Two issues, however. First, the fit and finish are not as good as they should be. For example, the car's trunk lid and tail lights do not flush exactly with the body of the car. Second, the actual mixed mileage thus far (24 mpg) has not come close to the EPA mixed mileage (28 mpg) claimed by the manufacturer. Both my wife and I are light-footed drivers and very careful with our driving. Otherwise, a great car."

"Wish #1 make the clearance to the ground a bit higher. Plowing snow is not what this car is meant to do.
Wish #2 I wish I did not have to turn this leased vehicle in, it is a beautiful car. Problem is, Ford flooded the market with these vehicles and now the end value is higher than its worth.
Not cool to do to your loyal Ford owners."

Get a ton of compliments on this car.

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

9/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has been so enjoyable to drive with the ecoboost. Tons of push you back in the seat power when passing. Drove it out to Nebraska several times and gave plenty of confidence inspiring feedback to pass on hills and two lane roads. My only grip has been having to replace two of the low profile tires due to road hazards. Ford hit a home run on this one."

"I owned a new ford fusion and enjoyed every second of ownership. I was sad to let this car go after only a year and a half but I just had to have the new mustang. I want to start this off by saying I did NOT sell this car because of the fusion but ONLY because I wanted the new mustang. Don't take my selling it so soon as a bad thing. Now onto my thoughts, i'll start with the exterior. When Ford revamped the fusion in 2013 I knew instantly they had a winner on their hands. Starting with the new "face" of ford (the new grill design) took me by surprise. Ford found the perfect mix between making the Fusion look like a luxurious car with some attitude. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the front of this car but something I would have modified had I kept this longer would have been to replace the fog lights with a 3 bar horizontal facing LED lights. Looking at it from the side, from the chrome strip hugging the windows to the body lines and the rims this car delivers! Onto the rear, once again this car delivers from every angle. I was never one to be caught driving a sedan before my 30s but when they brought out the new Fusion I couldn't resist. Onto the interior, the instrument panel was beautifully designed, with the dual electronic screens and the shape and molding of the instrument cluster it's beautiful. The steering wheel is comfortable to hold and the buttons are conveniently placed. All of the audio and climate controls are all touch which makes the car feel even more luxurious. The ambient lighting within the car gives a nice feel for night time driving. Plenty of leg room and head room and I'm 6'4". There is only one thing I would ask for from the interior of the fusion and that would be to offer heated and cooled seats for EVERY seat including the rear passenger seats. Other than that this car delivers on all aspects."

"Ford has done an excellent job designing this car. It handles great, and freeway driving is effortless despite it being a 4 cylinder. On the highway--I easily beat the posted mileage as I get 36 MPG. Plenty of interior space with a big trunk too."